Hip Replacement Surgery
More than 193,000 artificial hip replacement surgeries are performed yearly. Hip replacement may become necessary if activities such as walking, sitting, or even resting become painful.
Who might be a candidate for artificial hip replacement?
The most common condition that results in the need for hip replacement surgery is arthritis. Osteoarthritis, a degenerative, joint disease that affects mostly middle-aged and older adults, causes the breakdown of joint cartilage and adjacent bone in the hips. Rheumatoid arthritis, which causes inflammation of the synovial membrane and results in excessive synovial fluid, can lead to pain and stiffness. Traumatic arthritis, arthritis due to injury, can cause damage to the articular cartilage of the hip.
The decision to replace the painful hip with an artificial one is a decision made by the patient and physician. Other, alternative treatments may first be used, including assistive walking devices and anti-inflammatory medications.
What happens before the surgery?
In addition to a complete medical history, your physician may perform a complete physical examination, including x-rays, to ensure you are in good health before undergoing surgery. In addition, you may also meet with a physical therapist to discuss rehabilitation after the surgery and undergo blood tests (or other tests).
How is a hip replaced with an artificial hip?
Although each procedure varies, generally, surgery to replace a hip usually lasts a few hours.
The two most common types of artificial hip prostheses used in replacement surgery are cemented prostheses or uncemented prostheses. Sometimes, a combination of the two types is used to replace a hip. A hip prosthesis is made up of metal and plastic. A cemented prosthesis is attached to the bone with a type of surgical cement. An uncemented prosthesis attaches to the bone with a fine mesh of holes on the surface, in order for the bone to grow into the mesh and attach naturally to the prosthesis.
The prosthesis (artificial hip) is comprised of the following two components:
- metal ball component
- plastic socket component (which may have a metal outer shell)
While undergoing surgery, the patient may be under general anesthesia or awake with spinal anesthesia.
After surgery:
Hip replacement surgeries usually require an in-hospital stay of several days. Even while in the hospital, the patient usually begins physical therapy exercises to begin regaining range-of-motion in the hip. Physical therapy will continue at home. Pain medication also will be administered to keep the patient comfortable.
The incision will have stitches or staples that will be removed after a few weeks.
Making certain modifications to your home may help you during your recovery. These modifications include the following:
- proper handrails along all stairs
- safety handrails in the shower or bath
- shower bench or chair
- raised toilet seat
- stable chair with firm seat cushion and firm back with two arms, which will allow your knees to be positioned lower than your hips
- long-handled sponge and shower hose
- dressing stick
- sock aid
- long-handled shoe horn
- reaching stick to grab objects
- firm pillows to raise the hips above the knees when sitting
- removing loose carpets and electrical cords that may cause you to trip
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Orthopedic Surgery
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